Rotary apparatus for advancing strand-like products



Dec. 23, 1969 G. E. SMOCK 3,485,6 0

ROTARY APPARATUS FOR ADYANCING STRAND-LIKE PRODUCTS Filed Dec. 30, 19664 SheetsSheet 1 l N VE N TOR. GEORGf 5M06K ATTORNEYS Dec. 23, 1969 e. E.sMocK 3,485,610

ROTARY APPARATUS FOR ADVANCING STRAND-LIKE PRODUCTS Filed Dec. 30, 19664 Sheets-Sheet 2 I N VENTOR. GEO/P65 f. 5M06K ATTORNEYS Dec. 23, 1969 a.E. SMOCK 3,485,610

ROTARY APPARATUS FOR ADVANCING STRAND-LIKE PRODUCTS Filed Dec. 30, 19664 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. 650965 E. SMOC/K ATTORNEYS 6- E. SMOCK Dec.23, 1969 ROTARY APPARATUS FOR ADVANCING STRAND-LIKE PRODUCTS 4Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Dec. 30, 1966 INVENTOR. 6mm; 15 5/1/00? BY ATTO 3QMM RNEYS nited States Patent 3,485,610 ROTARY APPARATUS FOR ADVANCINGSTRAND-LIKE PRODUCTS George E. Smock, Newark, Ohio, assignor toOwens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation, a corporation of Delaware FiledDec. 30, 1966, Ser. No. 606,273 Int. Cl. C(l3b 37/02; C03e 25/02 U.S.Cl. 65-9 11 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE BACKGROUND OF THEINVENTION Heretofore, rotary pulling wheels having spoke or spiderwheels of various types therein have gained considerable success,particularly in the processing of continuous multifilament glassstrands; however, the ability to deliver or advance individually aplurality of strands continuously with one pulling wheel to severalfixed zones or locations with control and uniformity has been acontinuing problem. A number of techniques have been employed to varystrand distribution advanced by a rotary pulling wheel. The spoke orspider wheel within the rotary pulling wheel has been oscillated tochange the positions where the strands are poked off. Then, too, afterthe strands have been poked off the wheel, opposing streams of air havebeen directed toward the paths of the strands in a coordinated pulsingmanner to oscillate the strands from their path. Moreover, the strandshave been impinged against a distribution form to divert their paths toa desired distribution pattern. Further, the spoke ends have been cutdiagonally to the axis of the rotary pulling wheel to poke the strandsoff the wheel at different locations. The shorter portion of thediagonally cut spokes move into engagement with the strand located onthat side of the spoke at a different perimeter position on the rotarypulling wheel than the strand engaged by the longer side of the spoke.

Each of the mentioned strand distribution techniques presents problemsand limitations. Oscillating the spider wheel within the rotary pullingwheel does very distribution of the advancing strands; however, thestrands are handled as a group and their paths are constantly changingbetween limits according to the oscillations of the spider Wheel. Thesame is true of the technique of directing opposing coordinated pulsingair streams toward the paths of the strands after the strands have leftthe pulling wheel. The paths of a group of strands are fluctuatedtogether between limits. Further, the air streams, by their physicalnature, are different to control and control uniformly. While diagonallycut spokes provide controlled strand distribution of a couple of strandsalong determined paths, the strand distribution is fixed by the shape ofthe spoke ends. Additionally, the strand distribution form, as thediagonally cut spokes, deliver advancing strands to locations in a fixedmanner, according to the shape of the form. Variations in stranddistribution normally require use of a diiferently shaped form.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the presentinvention to provide an improved rotary apparatus for advancing aplurality of strand-like products such as continuous multiice filamentglass strands which individually dislodges the strands 1 at variousselected positions about its periphery.

Another object is to provide rotary apparatus for advancing a pluralityof continuous multifilament strands which controls the path of eachstrand advanced for simultaneous delivery of each strand or a selectednumber of strands to separate locations or zones.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide rotary apparatus foradvancing a plurality of continuous multifilament strands which can varyand control the path of each strand advanced while operating.

Still another object is to provide rotary apparatus for advancing aplurality of continuous multifilament strands which is capable ofsubstantially unlimited control in varying the path of individualstrands advanced by the apparatus.

These and other objects are attained by the use of rotary apparatusincluding a hollow pulling wheel which has a rim or perimeter having asurface interrupted by a plurality of circumferentially spaced apartopenings such as width extending slots and has a desired number ofadjacent strand removing asemblies including finger wheels rotatablymounted within the pulling wheel. Each finger wheel includes a pluralityof circumferentially spaced apart radially extending fingers which arealigned with the rim openings of the pulling wheel. In preferred form,the fingers extend individually into the rim openings and are capturedtherein for rotation of the finger wheels by the pulling wheel. Thestrand removing finger wheels are eccentrically mounted with respect tothe axis of rotation of the pulling Wheel to provide finger wheelshaving an individual axis of rotation laterally offset from the axis ofrotation of the pulling wheel to give radial movement of the fingersinwardly and outwardly with respect to the rim openings for protrusionof the fingers above the rim surface substantially along the directionof eccentricity or axis offset at predetermined circumferential rimlocations of the pulling wheel. The location of the axis of rotation ofeach of the finger wheels is positionable with respect to the otherfinger wheels and the pulling wheel itself for determining theperipheral locations the fingers protrude through the openings above therim surface.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other objects and advantages of theinvention will become apparent as the invention is hereinafter describedin more detail with reference made to the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIGURE 1 is a view in elevation of apparatus embodying the principles ofthe invention used for attenuating continuous filament glass andsimultaneously advancing three continuous filament glass strandsgathered into bundles from the attenuated filaments.

FIGURE 2 is a side elevation view of the apparatus shown of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is a view in vertical longitudinal section of the apparatusillustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2 and shows details of an apparatusembodying the principles of the invention.

FIGURE 4 is a view in perspective showing an embodiment of a strandremoval assembly and control apparatus embodying the principles of theinvention.

FIGURE 5 is a somewhat diagrammatic view of three fingers of theapparatus of FIGURES 1-4 which extend along the direction ofeccentricity or offset of the strand removal assembly and serves toillustrate the functioning of the invention.

FIGURE 6 is a view in perspective of a mat faced wool pack process usingthe apparatus of the invention.

3 DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Although the rotary apparatusof the invention may be used for advancing various types of strand-likeproducts such as multifilament strand yarns and the like of natural orsynthetic fibers as well as monofilaments, it is especially useful forattenuating continuous filament glass and simultaneously advancing thecontinuous filament glass in strand form and is discussed in relation tosuch use.

A somewhat simplified showing using apparatus for advancing strandsaccording to the invention appears in FIGURES 1 and 2 in which a glassmelting unit is shown having an associated feeder 12 disposed at theunderside thereof with a plurality of orifices from which streams ofmolten glass flow for attenuation into continuous filaments 14. Asillustrated, the continuous filaments 14 are gathered into three bundlesor strands 16, each of the strands 16 comprising a plurality ofcontinuous filaments 14. The filaments are gathered into strands bygathering shoes 17 after the filaments 14 have passed across a sizeapplicator roll or belt 18 mounted within the size applicator housing 20of a size applicator 22. The size applicator 22 is located below thefeeder 12 and supplies the filaments 14 with a suflicient amount ofsizing fluid, e.g. water, starch or gelatine, to bind and lubricate themagainst abrasive interaction.

The continuous multifilament strands 16 are pulled across the sizeapplicator roll 18 to a multigrooved shoe 24 and thence about an idlerwheel or cylinder 26, which is preferably multigrooved, by a hollowpulling wheel suitably rotated by a motor 28 through a belt 29 or thelike. The multigrooved gathering shoe 24 functions to arrange theseparately gathered and independent strands 16 for feeding to thepulling wheel 30. The idler wheel 26 maintains strand separation andassists establishing proper tension along the strands 16; further, thewheel 26 provides a surface about which the strands 16 may be passed forcontinued proper strand array for feeding the pulling wheel 30.

The strands 16 are advanced by the pulling wheel 30 simultaneously todifferent locations or zones by the single rotary apparatus embodyingthe invention.

Note that while the strands 16 are illustrated being attenuated from asingle feeder 12, the strands 16 can be attenuated from separatefeeders.

A preferred embodiment of the high-speed rotary apparatus of theinvention is illustrated in FIGURES 1-3 comprises three constituentassemblages: The pulling wheel 30, a number of strand removal assemblieswith their associated control apparatus and support assemblage 40.

As illustrated in FIGURE 3, the high-speed pulling wheel 30 includes abowl-shaped part 32 and a plate or shroud 34. The bowl-shaped part 32has an essentially fiat end or bottom and a circular rim 36 extendingnormally therefrom. The shroud 34 is a circular plate having a somewhatgreater diameter than the outside diameter of the bowl-shaped part 32and is adapted to fit across the open end thereof. The shroud 34 and thebowlshaped part 32 may be appropriately disengageably secured by meansof bolts (not shown). While in practice the bowl-shaped part 32 and theshroud 34 are made of aluminum alloy, any suitable light andhigh-strength material may be employed.

The rim 36 forms a cylindrical interrupted surface. A plurality ofgenerally rectangular shaped openings or slots 37 are circumferentiallyspaced apart around the rim 36 and extend substantially the widththereof. The rim 36, in a sense, forms extensions between the openings37. The openings 37 may be any suitable shape.

Both the bottom or closed end of the bowl-shaped part 32 and the shroud34 have circular openings. These openings are centrally located toextend through their centers and along the axis of rotation of the wheel30. When the two parts are combined, the openings are aligned forpassage of support and control apparatus of the invention.

The support apparatus 40 supports and rotates the pulling wheel 30 andincludes a finger wheel support spindle or shaft 41, a hollow generallytubular sheave 44 and bearings 48 and 49.

As shown in FIGURE 3, the finger wheel support shaft 41 is securelyfixed at one end by any suitable holding means 39 and comprises severalshaft step-down portions including an intermediate step-down portion 42of somewhat reduced diameter and end step-down portion 43 of furtherreduced diameter, which terminates the other end of the shaft 41. Thefinger wheel support shaft 41 is a non-rotating member.

The tubular sheave 44 is a member having an inside diameter somewhatgreater than the diameter of the intermediate step-down portion 42 ofthe finger Wheel support shaft 41. Near one end of the sheave 44 is alaterally extending circular flange 46. The flange 46 is used to securethe rotary pulling wheel 30 to the sheave 44.

The sheave 44 is rotatably mounted on the finger wheel support shaft 41by means of bearings 48 and 49 disposed on the intermediate step-downportion 42 of the shaft 41 at either end of the sheave 44. In theembodiment of the invention shown in FIGURE 3 the ring bearing 48 isdisposed around the intermediate step-down portion 42 at the left end ofthe sheave 44. The ring bearing 49 is located at the other end of thesheave 44 and is maintained in spaced apart relationship with thebearing 48 by a bearing spacer 45, which extends along the length of thestep-down portion 42.

The flange 46 abuts against the outer surface of the closed end of thebowl-shaped portion 32 of the hollow pulling wheel 30. The passageway ofthe sheave 44 is aligned with the opening of the closed end of the bowlshaped part 32 to permit the finger wheel support shaft 41 (step-downportions 42 and 43) to pass through the opening and extend through thepulling wheel 30. The sheave 44 is secured to the pulling wheel 30 bybolts or other suitable means extending through the flange 46 and thebowl-shaped part 32.

Intermediate the ends of the sheave 44 are raised por tions 47 extendingin circular fashion about the sheave providing a retaining means for thebelt 29. When the belt 29 is rotated by the motor 28, the sheave 44 isrotated. In turn, the hollow pulling wheel 30 is rotated by the sheave44 at the same r.p.m.

FIGURE 3 shows three strand removal assemblies 55 within the interior ofthe hollow pulling wheel 30 on the end step-down portion 43 of thefinger wheel support shaft 41. Because the assemblies are combined inhorizontally juxtaposed relationship, certain parts have dimensionvariations; however, each assembly functions in exactly the same manner.

Referring specifically to the left most strand removal assembly shown inFIGURE 3, the assembly comprises a hollow shaft or tubular extensionmember 62 having a circular and laterally extending flange 63 at oneend, a ring bearing 69, a finger wheel 68 including radially extendingfingers 56 and a pair of finger retaining rings 70.

The tubular extension member 62 includes at one end an eccentricallydisposed circular flange 63 extending laterally therefrom and normal tothe longitudinal axis of the member 62. While the FIGURE 3 illustratesthe flange 63 integral with the tubular extension member 62, the flange63 may be a separate part such as a disc suitably secured, e.g. pressfitted, on one end. The center of the circle describing the flange 63 isoffset, that is laterally disposed, from the longitudinal axis of thetubular member 62. Thus the flange 63 extends from the member 62 atvarying distances about its circumference, the greater distance being inproximity to the direction of the offset. Thus, in a sense, the circularflange 63 is a cam surface for its associated finger wheel 68.

The tubular extension member 62 extends from outside the hollow pullingwheel 30 into it over the end step-down portion 43. Because the insidediameter of the member 62 is only slightly greater than the diameter ofthe end step-down portion 43, the member 62 fits over the portion 43 insnug fit relation allowing the extension member 62 to be rotationallymoved. Further, the member 62 is arranged with the flange 63 pressed inabutting relationship against the shoulder between the intermediatestepdown portions 42 and end step-down portion 43.

A ring bearing 69 seats around the perimeter of the flange 63 and issubstantially the same thickness thereof. Because the inside diameter ofthe ring bearing 69 is substantially the same as the outside diameterdimension of the flange 63, the ring bearing 69 fits in snug fit holdingrelation about the flange 63.

One of the finger wheels 68 is mounted for rotation about the flange 63on the ring bearing 69. Because the inside diameter of the finger wheelis substantially the same as the outside diameter dimension of the ringbearing 69, the finger wheel 68 engages the ring bearing in snug fitholding relation.

The flange 63 provides an axis of rotation for its finger wheel 68 whichis offset or laterally disposed from the axis of rotation of the pullingwheel 30. Because the axis of rotation of the pulling Wheel 30 and thelongitudinal axis of the tubular extension member 62 are coextensivewith the longitudinal axis of the support shaft 41, the ofiset distanceof the flange 63 establishes the offset distance for the axis ofrotation of the finger wheel 68 associated with it and must be adistance sufficient to project the fingers 56 above the surface of therim 36 in selected zones as the pulling wheel 30 rotates.

The finger wheel 68 is fabricated with a plurality of uniform radiallyextending slots. The slots extend outwardly and provide the finger wheel68 with an interrupted peripheral edge. Each slot has dimensions adaptedto receive individual fingers 56. Further, each side of the finger wheel68 has a circular groove extending near its periphery into which thefinger retaining rings 70 may be secured.

As mentioned, the fact that strand removal assemblies 55 are combined onthe finger wheel support shaft 41 within the wheel 30 in adjacentstacked together or juxtaposed relationship requires certain dimensionmodifications to each assembly 55. These dimension differences are onlyin the tubular extension members, e.g. 62, 64 and 66. As can be seen inFIGURE 3 the tubular support members 62, 64 and 66 are in circumjacentrelationship. The inside diameter of the middle tubular member 64 mustbe large enough to permit it to fit over the tubular extension member62. Further, the tubular extension member 66 must fit over tubularmember 64. In like fashion, apparatus like that illustrated in FIGURE 3employing more than three strand removal assemblies 55 must providetubular support members of progressively larger diameter dimensions formounting one over the other. Further, the length of each tubular membervaries to provide an exposed portion at its outer end over which controlapparatus may be secured. In FIGURE 3 the tubular member 62 has thegreatest length.

As illustrated in FIGURE 3 the circular flanges 65 and 67 of the tubularextensions 64 and 66 respectively are the same diameter as flange 62.Moreover, their distance of offset is shown to be equal to the offset ofthe flange 62; however, both the diameter of the flange and theirdistance of offset may be individually varies in practice to obtaindifferent strand advancing characteristics.

The ring bearings 69 and finger wheel 68 are common to all the strandremoval assemblies 55.

Because each of the finger wheels 68 are rotationally mounted onrespective offset flanges, each of the finger wheels 68 has an axis ofrotation offset from the axis of rotation of the pulling wheel 30. Inthe preferred form illustrated the axis of rotation of the finger Wheels68 6 extend parallel to the axis of rotation of the pulling wheel 30.

The finger 56 fit into the radially extending slots of each of thefinger wheels 68. Each finger 56 is a thin generally rectangular memberconstructed of spring steel or the like for flexibility. Flexible fingermembers are preferred because the fingers 56 can readily adapt tostresses imparted to them as the finger wheel 68 is rotated with thepulling wheel 30.

One end of each finger is contoured; the end is notched on each sideshort of its termination. A rectangular notch is shown in FIGURE 3 andis preferred. When the fingers 56 are inserted into individual slots ofthe finger wheel 68 fully, the notches of the contoured end matchexactly with the circular grooves fabricated on the surfaces of thefinger wheels 68. When the finger retaining rings 70 are positioned inthe grooves, the inserted fingers 56 are firmly locked in position onthe finger wheels 68.

The preferred embodiment of FIGURE 3 shows all the fingers 56 of each ofthe finger wheels 68 captured at their outward ends individually withinthe rim slots 37 of the pulling wheel 30. Such an arrangement permitsthe pulling wheel 30 to rotate the finger wheels 68 together in unisonwith it. Because in practice it is preferred that the pulling wheel 30drive the finger wheels 68, the fingers 56 must be sufficiently long tomake it possible for them to always be entrapped within the rim openingsor slots 37, but not extending above the surface of the rim 36 except inselected zones determined by the position of the axis of rotation of thefinger wheels. While it is the usual practice to use fingers 56 of equallengths, their lengths may differ.

While in the inventions preferred form the finger wheels 68 are drivenin rotation by the pulling wheel 30 through the fingers 56, suitabledrive means may be employed to rotate the finger wheels 68 synchronouslywith the pulling wheel 30. In such a case the fingers 56 need not be ofa length sufficient to always be captured within the rim openings 37.

FIGURE 4 shows one of the assembled strand removal assemblies 55.

In practice each finger 56 of each finger wheel 68 is provided for eachslot 37. It is the normal practice, then, to provide fingers for eachpulling wheel slot 37. Because a greater number of fingers about theperimeter of each finger wheel 68 provides smoother operation of thepull ing wheel 30, usually a substantial number of fingers up to 50 ormore are employed on each finger wheel 68.

While the rotary strand removal apparatus illustrated in FIGURES 1through 3 is shown with three strand removal assemblies 55, a larger orsmaller number of the assemblies may be employed. Three assemblies areshown by way of example only. In practice, a pulling Wheel 30 employingup to seven strand removal assemblies has been used to manufacturecontinuous filament glass fiber mats.

The circumferential disposition of flange offset about the axis ofrotation of the pulling wheel 30 for the flanges 63, and 67 ismaintained and moved by control apparatus including arms 74, 75, 76 andan eccentric clamp plate 78.

Referring to FIGURES 3 and 4, the arms are longitudinal members adaptedat one end to fit over and grip the individual tubular extension members62, 64 and 66 at their exposed outward ends. The gripping end of eacharm is a collar having dimensions suitable for fitting over the end ofthe particular tubular extension member on which the arm is employed. Asshown in FIGURE 3, the arms 74, and 76 are secured to tubular extensionmembers 62, 64 and 66 respectively. The collar of each arm has asetscrew 77 which is turned to move the collar into holding relationshipwith the associated tubular extension member.

The other end of each arm is fashioned with an opening into which a bolt81 is secured.

The eccentric clamp plate 78 controls the rotational movement of thearms 74, 75 and 76. As illustrated in FIGURES 1 through 3, the plate 78is shaped somewhat like the quadrant of a circle and has two arcuatelongitudinal openings 79 and 80 extending substantially the length ofand parallel to its outward arc edge. Opening 79 is located closer tothe arcuate edge than opening 80. The dimensions of each opening permitssecuring the bolts 81 inserted therethrough.

The eccentric plate clamp 78 is mounted at the end of the end step-downportion 43 of the support shaft 41 by a collar 83. The inward mostportion of the clamp plate 78 is suitably fixed to the collar 83, e.g.by welding or the like. The clamp 78 is rotatable on the shaft 41 bymoving the collar 83. The inside diameter of the collar has a diameterdimension suitable for smooth rotation of the collar on the endstep-down portion 43. Further, the collar 83 has a setscrew 84 thatscrews against the surface of the stepdown portion 43 to tightly holdthe collar (and plate 78) in desired rotational positions.

Each arm is connected to the eccentric plate clamp 78 by means of theindividual securing bolts 81. The distance between the arms and theclamp is maintained by integral extensions 86 of varying length. It isnoted that in lieu of extensions 86 the arms may employ individualspacer elements. The bolts 81 extend individually through one of theopenings, 79 or 80, and into an extension 86. Tightening the .bolts 81brings the extensions 86 into tight frictional engagement with the plate78 and maintains the arms in desired position. Loosening the bolts 81permits movement of the bolts (arms) within the length of the openings,e.g. 79, of the clamp 78.

In operation the motor 28 rotates the hollow tubular sheave 44 throughthe belt 29. Known apparatus may be employed to vary the r.p.m. of themotor 28 as desired. The pulling wheel 30 is rotated with the sheave 44at the same r.p.m. Because the ends of the fingers 56 are capturedwithin the openings or slots 37 of the pulling wheel 30, the fingerwheels 68 are driven in rotation at the same r.p.m.

Because of the axis of rotation of each finger wheel 68 is laterallyoffset with respect to the axis of rotation of the pulling wheel 30, thefingers 56 of each finger wheel 68 is moved radially inwardly andoutwardly with respect to the surface of the rim 36 through the rimopenings or slots 37. As the fingers 56 move towards the offset, theymove outwardly to protrude above the rims surface. As the fingers moveaway from the offset, they move inwardly to a position even with orbelow the surface of the rim 36. Maximum protrusion of the fingers 56above the rims surface occurs as they pass across the direction ofoffset. Thus, the fingers 56 extend above the surface of the rim 36 in azone located on the side of the wheel in which the respective axis ofrotation of each individual finger wheel 68 is offset.

The strands 16 are poked-off or removed from the rotating pulling wheel30 as the fingers 56 move outwardly to protrude above the rim 36 toengage the individual strand 16. The strands 16 are supplied to thepulling wheel 30 in proper array by the shoe 24 and idler wheel 26.While the fingers 56 of an individual finger wheel 68 normally engagesonly one strand 16, the invention may be employed to have these fingersengage more than one strand 16, e.g. two strands.

The apparatus of the invention can be maintained with all the fingerwheel axes of rotation coextensive. In such a case the correspondingfingers 56 of each finger wheel 68 move together to project above thesurface of rim 36. In like fashion, the fingers 56 move inwardlytogether below the surface of the rim 36. All the strands 16 areindividually removed from the pulling wheel 30 at the samecircumferential zone.

The individual axes of rotation for each finger wheel 68 can bepositioned at different locations about the axis of rotation of thepulling wheel 30. In this instance the corresponding fingers 56 of eachfinger wheel 68 project above the surface of the rim 36 at differentcircumferential rim locations. The strands 16 are removed from thepulling wheel 30 in different rim locations or zones. FIG- URE 1illustrates the strands 16 leaving the pulling wheel 30 at variousperimeter locations.

Further, FIGURE 5 illustrates in somewhat diagrammatic form theapparatus of the invention arranged to have the fingers 56 project abovethe rim 36 at different locations. One finger 56 is shown for eachfinger wheel 68 as it moves across the offset of its axis of rotation(flange offset). Each finger 56 has moved outwardly substantially itsmaximum projection above the surface of the rim 36.

The axis of rotation of each finger wheel 68 can be easily moved aboutthe axis of rotation of the pulling wheel 30. This movement is effectedby rotating the flanges 63, 65 and 67 through moving the arms 74, 75 and76 respectively, a movement easily accomplished even while the pullingwheel 30 is operating.

The arms 74, 75 and 76 may be operably connected to a programmedoscillating means to effect predetermined variations in the strandremoval locations or zones.

FIGURE 6 illustrates the invention in a process for making a compositefibrous mat including both continuous and discontinuous or staplefibers, especially glass fibers, suitable for constructing a duct havinga tough inner surface.

Discontinuous or staple glass fibers 104 may be provided by any knownmethod such as the use of spinners 100. The spinners have a peripheralwall provided with a plurality of orifices or apertures 101 throughwhich molten glass is projected under the influence of centrifugalforces during high speed rotation of the spinners 100. The molten glassis supplied to the spinners 100 by any well known source throughsuitable supply means 102.

The extruded or projected glass from the spinners 100 is engaged by agaseous blast from an appropriate source through nozzles 106 or thelike. The gaseous blast attenuates the glass to fibers and directs thefibers 104 downwardly to a moving perforated belt or conveyor 110passing below the spinners 100.

The fibers 104 descend on the moving conveyor 110 to form a mat orblanket. Moreover, a suction box 112 under the conveyor 110 supplies areduced pressure zone acting on the fibrous mat through the perforationsof the conveyor 110 to compact the fibers in a uniform manner.

The spinners 100 are in line over the conveyor 110. While two spinnersare illustrated in FIGURE 6, the showing is by example only. Anyrequired number of spinners may be used to obtain desired mat physicalproperties or thickness. Further, spinners providing glass fibers ofvarying diameter may be employed to produce a mat including a fibrousmass having layers of fine and heavier fibers.

In practice the fibers 104 are treated with a suitable coating materialby one or more spray gun nozzles at each spinner position such asadjustable spray gun nozzles 108. The nozzles 108 may be aimed upon themat as it is being formed. Various coatings have been found advantageoussuch as phenol formaldehyde type resins.

The conveyor 110 moves the mat to a zone providing continuousmultifilament strands 16 advanced by the apparatus of the invention. Thestrands 16 provide a continuous strand surface on the mat.

The strands 16 are poked-off the rotating pulling wheel 30 at variouspoints around its rim and are projected in individual directednon-oscillatory paths. The strands 16 are deposited on the moving mat ina somewhat overlapping manner to provide a smooth surface. Moreover, thestrands 16 are projected with sufiicient energy to be securely depositedon the mat.

The spinners 100 and pulling wheel 30 are separated by a partition 115to prevent fly between positions. An after treatment may be supplied tothe mat through nozzles 116 for improved bonding and/or surfacecharacteristics prior to entering a curing zone such as a heated oven(not shown). The treatment may be a resin spray such as the initialcoating, neoprene or the like.

In view of the foregoing it will be recognized that while particularembodiments of the invention have been shown, many modifications may bemade Within the concept of the invention and, therefore, it is not theintent to limit the invention to specific embodiments.

I claim:

1. Apparatus for longitudinally advancing a plurality of continuousmultifilament strands comprising a hollow pulling wheel, said pullingwheel having a peripheral rim with circumferentially spaced-apartopenings communicating with the interior of said wheel, said strandsengaging said peripheral rim of said pulling wheel, means for rotatingsaid pulling wheel, a plurality of adjacent finger wheels supportedwithin said pulling wheel, an individual support surface upon which eachof said finger wheels mounts to provide an axis of rotation for eachfinger wheel that is offset from the axis of rotation of said pullingwheel, each of said support surfaces mounted for movement about the axisof rotation of said pulling wheel, each of said finger wheels having aplurality of fingers extending radially of its axis of rotation engagingsaid openings for rotating said finger wheels with said pulling wheel,said fingers of each of said finger wheels extending through saidopepings above the surface of said rim on the side of said pulling wheeltowards which the axis of rotation of their finger wheel is offset forremoving said strands engaging said rim, means for individually movingsaid support surfaces to relocate the axis of rotation of each saidfinger wheels about the axis of rotation of said pulling wheel forremoving said strands at different locations on the surface of said rim.

2. Apparatus for advancing a plurality of continuous multifilamentstrands recited in claim 1 where said finger wheels are juxtaposedwithin said pulling wheel and their axes of rotation extend parallel tothe axis of rotation of said pulling wheel.

3. Apparatus for longitudinally advancing a plurality of continuousmultifilament strands comprising a hollow pulling wheel having aperipheral surface with circumferentially spaced apart openingscommunicating with the interior of said wheel, means for rotating saidwheel, a plurality of finger wheels juxtaposed within said pullingwheel, a separate mounting surface for each of said finger wheelsproviding an axis of rotation for each finger wheel that is offset fromand extending parallel to the axis of rotation of said pulling wheel,each of said mounting surfaces being movable about the axis of rotationof said pulling wheel, each of said finger wheels including a pluralityof fingers radially extending from its axis of rotation, each of saidfingers being always engaged at its outer end with a peripheral openingfor rotation with said pulling wheel, said fingers extending throughsaid openings in a zone on the side of said pulling wheel on which theaxis of rotation of the finger wheel is offset, the offset of each ofsaid finger wheels being sufficient to protrude at least some of itsfingers above said peripheral surface for removing said strands engagingsaid peripheral surface, a plurality of tubular extensions extendinginto the interior of said pulling wheel mounted for movement about theaxis of rotation of said pulling wheel, each of said mounting surfacescooperating with one of said tubular extensions for individually movingthe axis of rotation of each of said finger wheels about the axis ofrotation of said pulling wheel for controlling the zone in which saidfingers protrude above said peripheral surface to separately disengageeach of said strands at different desired peripheral zones for advancingsaid strands to different desired locations.

4. Apparatus for advancing a plurality of continuous multifilamentstrands according to claim 3 where said fingers are of equal length.

5. Apparatus for advancing a plurality of continuous multifilamentstrands according to claim 3 wherein the axes of rotation of said fingerwheels are offset different distances.

6. Apparatus for longitudinally advancing a plurality of continuousmultifilament strands comprising a stationary shaft, a tubular sheaverotatably mounted on said shaft intermediate its ends, said sheavehaving an axis of rotation coextensive with the longitudinal axis ofsaid shaft, a hollow pulling wheel, said pulling wheel secured at oneend of said tubular sheave for rotation therewith, said shaft extendingthrough said pulling wheel with its longitudinal axis along the axis ofrotation of said pulling wheel, said pulling wheel having a peripheralrim with circumferentially spaced apart openings communicating with theinterior thereof, means for rotating said sheave at high speeds, aplurality of juxtaposed finger wheels within said pulling wheel, each ofsaid finger wheels including a plurality of radially extending fingersabout its circumference, each of said fingers on each of said fingerWheels extending individually into each of said openings for rotation inunison with said pulling wheel, a plurality of circumjacent tubularextensions on said shaft extending into the interior of said-pullingwheel, one of said tubular extensions for each of said finger wheels,circular flange off-center with respect to the axis of rotation of saidpulling wheel laterally extending on one end of each of said tubularextensions, each of said finger wheels rotatably mounted on one of saidflanges, each of said flanges providing an axis of rotation for each ofsaid finger wheels that is offset from the axis rotation of said pullingwheel and extending parallel thereto, said fingers of each of saidfinger wheels being moved through said openings to protrude above thesurface of said rim in a zone on the side of said pulling wheel towardswhich the axis of rotation their finger wheel is offset, means connectedto the other end of each of said tubular extensions for turning saidextensions to individually move the position of the axis of rotation ofeach of said finger wheels about the axis of rotation of said pullingwheel, said plurality of strands engaging said rim during rotation ofsaid pulling wheel being removed as said fingers are moved through saidopenings to protrude above the surface of said rim.

7. Apparatus for longitudinally advancing a plurality of continuousmultifilament strands recited in claim 6 where said means connected tothe other end of each of said tubular extensions comprises a pluralityof juxtaposed radially extending arms, each of said arms moving itsassociated extension in rotation with it when turned, a plate supportedon the end of said shaft, said plate extending laterally from said shaftand having arcuate slots therein, said arms operably engaging said slotsfor slidable movement therein, means for maintaining each of said armsat desired locations in said slots.

8. Apparatus for longitudinally advancing a plurality of continuoustextile strand-like products comprising a hollow wheel for pulling saidproducts, said wheel having a peripheral surface with circumferentiallyspaced apart openings communicating with the interior of said wheel,drive means for rotating said wheel, a plurality of adjacent fingerWheels mounted for rotation internally of said pulling wheel forremoving said products engaging said peripheral surface, each of saidwheels having a plurality of finger members radially extending from itsaxis of IO- tation, support means providing each of said finger wheelswith an axis of rotation offset from the axis of rotation of saidpulling wheel, said finger members of each said finger wheels beingsufficiently long to extend into engaging relationship with at least aportion of the total number of spaced openings in said peripheralsurface whereby said finger wheel rotates in unison with said wheel, theoffset axis of each of said finger wheels being sufficient to project anumber of its fingers above said peripheral surface to effect rotationremoval of said products being pulled by said wheel from said peripheralsurface, means to move said support means for relocating the axis ofrotation of at least one of said finger wheels to project its fingersabove said peripheral surface and disengage one of said products fromsaid wheel at a zone on said peripheral surface diflerent from theproduct disengagement zone provided by the other finger wheels.

9. Apparatus for longitudinally advancing a plurality of continuoustextile strand-like products as recited in claim 8 including means forindependently moving the axis of rotation of each of said finger wheelsabout the axis of rotation of said Wheel.

10. Apparatus for longitudinally advancing a plurality of continuousmultifilament strands comprising a hollow pulling wheel, said pullingWheel having a peripheral rim with circumferentially spaced apartopenings communicating with the interior of said Wheel, means forrotating said pulling wheel, a plurality of adjacent finger wheelssupported Within said pulling wheel, a separate support member for eachof said finger Wheels, each of said support members being in ofisetrelation with the axis of rotation of the pulling wheel at differentlocations about said axis to provide spaced apart finger wheel axis ofrotation selectively offset from said axis of rotation of said pullingWheel, each of said finger wheels having a plurality of fingersextending radially of its axis of rotation engaging said openings forrotating said finger wheels with said pulling wheel, said fingers ofeach of said finger wheels extending through said openings above thesurface of said rim on the side of said pulling wheel towards Which theaxis of rotation of their respective finger wheel is offset forseparately removing said strands engaging said rim at diiferentlocations on the surface of said rim.

11. Apparatus for advancing a plurality of continuous multifilamentstrands recited in claim 10 where at least one of said support membersis mounted for movement about the axis of rotation of said pulling wheeland further including means for moving such support member to relocatethe axis of rotation of its respective finger wheel about the axis ofrotation of said pulling Wheel.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,014,629 12/1961 Cunningham etal.

S. LEON BASHORE, Primary Examiner ROBERT L. LINDSAY, JR., AssistantExaminer US. Cl. X.R.

